In Australia, all three levels of government provide funding for cultural activities, facilities and services.

Total government funding for cultural activities was $4,447.4m in 2000-01 (table 12.21). Of this, the Commonwealth Government contributed $1,639.7m (37%), state and territory governments contributed $1,935.2m (44%) and local governments provided $872.4m (20%).

The majority of the funding supported Heritage activities ($2,743.7m or 62% of total funding). In particular, Nature parks and reserves ($978.5m), Libraries and archives ($838.8m) and Other museums (which consist largely of museums other than art museums) ($613.1m) collectively accounted for 55% of the total government funding. Arts activities received the remaining $1,703.7m (38%) of government funding. These funds were mainly for Broadcasting and film ($902.3m) which accounted for 20% of total government funding for culture.

12.21 CULTURAL FUNDING - 2000-01

Level of government

Commonwealth

State/territory

Local

Total

$m

$m

$m

$m

Heritage

Art museums

42.4

94.4

54.1

190.9

Other museums

306.9

255.2

51.0

613.1

Nature parks and reserves

63.6

891.3

23.6

978.5

Zoological parks, aquaria and botanic gardens

5.7

101.4

15.4

122.5

Libraries and archives

83.0

297.0

458.7

838.8

Total

501.5

1,639.3

602.8

2,743.7

Arts

Literature and print media

22.0

4.3

2.6

28.9

Performing arts

95.9

76.2

28.6

200.8

Performing arts venues

5.5

93.5

48.8

147.8

Public halls and civic centres

-

1.1

132.5

133.6

Visual arts and crafts

15.7

10.8

2.8

29.2

Broadcasting and film

853.0

47.1

2.2

902.3

Community cultural activities

53.3

21.3

17.8

92.4

Administration of culture

31.2

31.3

25.6

88.0

Other arts n.e.c.

61.6

10.3

8.7

80.7

Total

1,138.2

295.9

269.6

1,703.7

Total

1,639.7

1,935.2

872.4

4,447.4

Source: Cultural Funding by Government, Australia, 2000-01 (4183.0).

Business funding

The ABS conducted a Business Generosity Survey in respect of 2000-01. During that period, businesses gave $1,446.6m to organisations or individuals, of which the arts and culture activities (namely the performing arts; the creative arts; museum, art gallery and library activities; and zoological or botanical parks and gardens operation) received $69.6m (5%). This comprised $40.4m of sponsorship, $22.8m of donations and $6.3m of business to community projects. Sport and recreation activities received 43% of the total given by businesses to organisations or individuals. For additional information see the section Funding for sport and recreation. Other activities covered by the survey were community service and welfare, health, education and training, and environmental activities.

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